NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

(MONROE, La.) – Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Southern Rail Commission (SRC), elevating North Louisiana’s representation in regional transportation leadership as efforts to restore passenger rail service along the Interstate 20 Corridor enter a critical phase.

The election places Ellis in a key leadership role within the interstate commission responsible for advancing passenger rail initiatives across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Louisiana State Representative Neil Riser was also elected to the Executive Committee, further strengthening North Louisiana’s influence in shaping the region’s transportation future.

“This is about more than a seat at the table. It’s about making sure Monroe and North Louisiana have a strong voice in decisions that will shape our region for generations,” said Mayor Ellis. “We are experiencing unprecedented economic momentum across North Louisiana, and connecting our communities to larger regional economies through passenger rail is another important piece of building for the future. We’ve spent years building partnerships, securing commitments, and moving this vision closer to reality. Now it’s time to take the next step.”

I-20 Passenger Rail Initiative Gains Momentum

The proposed I-20 Corridor Passenger Rail service would connect the Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta metropolitan regions, creating new transportation opportunities for communities across North Louisiana and Mississippi while strengthening connections to major economic centers.

The initiative has successfully completed Step 1 of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program and is positioned to advance into Step 2, which will support development of a comprehensive Service Development Plan.

Louisiana and Mississippi have committed the required matching funds, demonstrating strong bipartisan and interstate support. The project now awaits the federal funding award necessary to begin its next phase.

The initiative comes amid significant economic expansion across North Louisiana, where billions of dollars in new investments are driving demand for improved infrastructure, workforce mobility, and regional connectivity.

“Passenger rail is not simply about moving people from one city to another. It’s about connecting opportunity,” Ellis said. “As North Louisiana continues to attract major investments, we must think beyond traditional boundaries and build the infrastructure that supports long-term growth. Passenger rail can connect our workforce, strengthen tourism, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for communities along the corridor. We have an opportunity to position this region for the next generation, and we intend to make the most of it.”

Regional Leadership and Strong Partnerships

Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross praised the election of Ellis and Riser, recognizing their contributions to advancing passenger rail across the region.

“Mayor Ellis and Representative Riser have proven themselves to be essential to the progress of the Southern Rail Commission, especially moving forward the I-20 initiative,” said Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross. “We are pleased that they will be joining the leadership of the Commission and look forward to working together to bring passenger rail to North Louisiana.”

Ellis credited the progress of the I-20 initiative to sustained collaboration among local, state, and federal partners.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for their financial commitments and leadership in advancing the project, as well as Congresswoman Julia Letlow and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson for their continued support.

Ellis also looks forward to working with U.S. Senator John Kennedy and the next representative elected to Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District to secure the federal support necessary to move the project forward.

Building the Next Generation of Regional Connectivity

The Southern Rail Commission is an interstate compact representing Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The Commission works to expand passenger rail service, strengthen transportation infrastructure, promote economic development, and coordinate investments among federal, state, and local partners.

Ellis’s election to the Executive Committee comes as the Commission continues working to expand passenger rail opportunities throughout the Gulf South and advance the I-20 Corridor initiative.

With state commitments secured, regional partnerships established, and the initial federal planning phase completed, the corridor is positioned for its next major milestone.

“The vision has been established. The partnerships have been built. The states have stepped forward. Now we need the federal partners to help us take the next step,” Ellis said. “This is how we build a stronger, more connected North Louisiana… not just for today, but for the generations that follow.”